New Yale Law Dean Stresses Standing Up for Rule of Law

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As the next dean of Yale Law School, Heather Gerken, says a key challenge will be figuring how best to stand up for the rule of law.

Gerken was appointed this week as the 17th dean of the law school and the first woman to serve in the role.

In an interview, she said figuring out how Yale can continue to play a leading role in "protecting the value of the rule of law in a turbulent time" is one of the biggest challenges.

Since President Donald Trump took office, clinics led by Gerken and other Yale faculty members have taken a leading role in challenging some of his actions. She also served as an adviser to President Barack Obama's campaigns in 2008 and 2012.